Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to work.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best way to minimize these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%.
The amount of air that is provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as much.
A firewood load that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of
wood burning stoves small. For example, white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and
contemporary wood burners stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. If properly used, however, modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have when the log was dried to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night however, safety precautions should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your
wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for
wood burning Fireplace your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the end grain and
wood burning fireplace makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a
wood burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might occur. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States.
